Bayon Temple, Siem Reap

This is my favorite temple at the Angkor Wat archaeological Park. You absolutely have to visit this place. This particular temple was built by a conquering king, who wanted to return the empire to its roots of Buddhism, as opposed to the Hindu king before him. This was the inspiration for the “many faces of Buddha” that can be found here at Bayon temple. A major structural restoration process has been going on during the coronavirus pandemic, seizing the opportunity with a lack of tourism to work hard to bring back some life to the delicate, yet very ornate and detailed temple complex. The last time I visited the park, I needed special permission to view the upper terrace of the temple as it was closed for construction purposes.

Historical beauty in the giant circle of temple. Recommend knowing the story behind this temple as you travel, it'll feel really special understanding ilits popularity and purpose. Full of sculptures and pictures on the wall to decipher and understand. It's a shame the top part was under construction or was access blocked as that's usually the best part for Bayon temple, seeing the faces up close.